Rumors are circulating that Sony is preparing for the imminent launch of the WF-1000XM5 earbuds, a follow-up to the highly acclaimed WF-1000XM4 earbuds released in 2021, with some speculating that the release could occur as early as later this week.
The Walkman Blog, known for its credible leaks concerning Sony audio products, has already released a specifications list for the upcoming WF-1000XM5 earbuds. Adding to the excitement, WinFuture has now released fresh visuals that provide a detailed glimpse into their design.
While we eagerly await the official announcement, the leaker has graciously shared high-quality, official images of the upcoming earbuds, showcasing the two available color options for their initial launch.
Continuing the tradition of previous WF-1000 and WH-1000 series releases, Sony is expected to offer the WF-1000XM5 in two classic finishes: beige and black. However, it is likely that Sony will market the beige color variant as ‘Silver’ to add a touch of elegance and distinction to the product lineup.
Based on the available images, it appears that the XM5 earbuds from Sony are designed to be more compact and lightweight in comparison to the XM4s. The Walkman Blog has even provided a helpful image comparison, overlaying the new earbuds on top of the previous model. According to a leaked spec sheet, the XM5 earbuds are said to weigh approximately 5.9 grams each, which is an improvement over the 7.3-gram weight of each XM4 earbud. For reference, the AirPods Pro, a popular competitor, weigh 5.3 grams each. This reduction in weight suggests that Sony is prioritizing comfort and portability with their latest earbud offering.
Sony has implemented several design changes in the WF-1000XM5 earbuds. Notably, they have removed the noticeable touch panel that was present on the WF-1000XM4 model. This alteration suggests that Sony might have adopted a different control mechanism for the new earbuds, possibly incorporating touch controls that are more discreet or integrating them directly into the body of the earbuds.
Furthermore, Sony has introduced a glossy finish to the earbuds themselves, providing them with a sleek and polished appearance. Interestingly, the charging case has a contrasting matte finish, which adds a unique visual appeal to the overall package.
Other specs include multipoint support (this was also available for the XM4s, albeit in a post-release update) and support for wireless charging. Battery life (including the charging case) is rated at “up to 24 hours,” though it’s unclear if this is with or without noise cancellation enabled. For reference, the XM4s offered up to 36 hours of listening with ANC off or 24 hours with it on. According to the leaked spec sheet, a three-minute charge is enough for one hour of listening.
Additionally, Sony has made efforts to discreetly integrate the microphone into the WF-1000XM5 earbuds. Although pricing details have not been leaked at this time, a previous article provides comprehensive information about the upcoming earbuds, including various specifications. In summary, the WF-1000XM5 will weigh less than its predecessor while retaining sought-after features such as Bluetooth Multipoint, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and LDAC functionality, which ensures high-quality audio streaming.
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